Brian Hartline of Ohio State named USF head coach

Why it matters: The swift announcement puts to rest many of the fears about what the program might become in Golesh's absence, and it lets fans breathe a little easier with a bowl game on the horizon.

Zoom in: Hartline led the 2025 Buckeyes offense to rank No. 13 in the nation in scoring and No. 24 in total offense, according to a press release.

• He also had a hand in Ohio State's recruiting, which ranked No. 5 in the nation for the 2026 signing class.

The intrigue: Hartline has been the Buckeyes' wide receivers coach since 2018, a span in which OSU has become a star factory at his former position.

• Notable names include the Bucs' Emeka Egbuka and a slew of other NFL standouts: Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Terry McLaurin.

What they're saying: "I'm honored and excited to join the University of South Florida as its new head football coach," Hartline said.

• "Becoming a first-time head coach at a place like USF is a dream come true for me and my family," he added. "I can't wait to get to work with our team and the entire USF community. Go Bulls!"